Child Support Attorneys — Dallas–Fort Worth

Child Support in Dallas & Fort Worth

Child support exists for one reason — to ensure your children have the financial stability they deserve. Whether you are seeking support, paying it, or need an existing order changed, Neave Law PLLC helps parents navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

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Child Support in Texas — The Basics

When parents separate or divorce in Texas, both are legally obligated to financially support their children. Texas law establishes clear guidelines for calculating child support — but the process of establishing, enforcing, and modifying support orders can be more complex than it appears.

At Neave Law PLLC, we represent both parents seeking support and parents navigating their support obligations. Our goal is always the same — a fair, accurate order that reflects your child's real needs and your actual financial circumstances.

"Child support is about your children's stability and future. We make sure the numbers are right — and that the order works for your family in the real world."

— NEAVE LAW PLLC

How Child Support Is Calculated in Texas

Texas uses a statutory guidelines formula to calculate child support. The amount is based primarily on the net monthly income of the paying parent and the number of children covered by the order. These percentages apply when the paying parent has no other minor children for whom they are legally responsible — the calculation differs when other children are involved.

Number of Children	Percentage of Net Monthly Income
1 child	20%
2 children	25%
3 children	30%
4 children	35%
5 or more children	40%

Note: Texas child support guidelines apply up to a statutory income cap that is updated periodically under Texas law. Income above that cap may result in additional support at the court's discretion. Courts may also deviate from guidelines based on the specific needs of the child or other relevant circumstances. An experienced attorney can calculate the correct amount based on your current situation.

What Is Included in Child Support

In Texas, child support typically covers a child's basic living needs. In addition to the base support amount, courts commonly address:

Medical & Dental Support

Texas courts routinely order one or both parents to maintain health insurance coverage for the child and to share the cost of uninsured medical and dental expenses. The allocation of these costs is an important part of every child support order.

Child Support for Special Needs Children

When a child has special needs — including physical, developmental, or educational requirements — standard guidelines may not be sufficient. Texas courts can order additional support to cover therapy, specialized education, medical equipment, and other extraordinary expenses.

Child Support for High-Income Earners

When the paying parent's net monthly income exceeds the statutory cap, Texas courts have discretion to order additional support based on the child's proven needs and the parents' financial circumstances. These cases require careful financial analysis and strategic advocacy.

For high-income earners, child support calculations may also need to account for bonuses, commissions, stock compensation, rental income, business distributions, and other non-salary income. We ensure all sources of income are properly considered — whether you are the paying or receiving parent.

Enforcing Unpaid Child Support

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, there are serious legal consequences — and you have the right to enforce the order. Texas law provides several enforcement mechanisms, including:

Wage withholding and income garnishment
Contempt of court — including potential jail time
Seizure of bank accounts and assets
Suspension of driver's license or professional licenses

Interception of tax refunds
Liens on real property
Attorney's fees awarded against the non-paying parent
Reporting to credit agencies

If support is not being paid: Do not wait. Unpaid child support accrues as a legal judgment with interest. The sooner you take action, the better your position. Contact our team to discuss your enforcement options.

Modifying a Child Support Order

Child support orders are not permanent. Texas law allows either parent to seek a modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances — or when it has been three years since the last order was set and the amount would differ by either 20% or $100 per month under current guidelines.

Common reasons to seek a modification include:

Significant change in either parent's income
Job loss or reduction in earnings
Substantial increase in the paying parent's income
Change in the child's custody or possession arrangement

New or increased medical expenses for the child
Child reaching a milestone that affects support
Change in the child's insurance coverage
Either parent's relocation affecting childcare costs

Interstate Child Support Issues

When parents live in different states, child support matters can become significantly more complex. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) governs which state has jurisdiction to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders when multiple states are involved.

Interstate child support matters — including registering out-of-state orders in Texas, seeking modifications across state lines, and enforcing Texas orders when the paying parent lives in another state — require knowledge of both Texas law and federal interstate support frameworks. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does child support last in Texas?

Child support in Texas generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school — whichever occurs later. Support may continue beyond that for a child with a disability that requires ongoing care.

Can child support be waived or reduced by agreement between parents?

This depends on the facts of your case, the county, and the judge. While Texas courts must approve any child support arrangement and generally follow statutory guidelines, there are circumstances where deviation may be appropriate — such as when parents have specific agreements regarding expenses, custody arrangements, or other financial considerations. Whether a deviation from guidelines is justified in your situation is exactly the kind of question that requires an experienced family law attorney. Contact our team to discuss your specific circumstances.

Does child support cover private school or extracurricular activities?

Standard child support covers basic needs. Private school tuition and extracurricular expenses may be addressed separately by agreement or court order — particularly when both parents have historically shared those costs or when the child's needs warrant them.

What if the paying parent is self-employed or has irregular income?

Self-employment income, business distributions, and irregular earnings can complicate child support calculations. Courts look at all sources of income — including cash, business profits, and in-kind benefits — to determine an accurate support obligation. We have experience handling these situations for both paying and receiving parents.

Can I stop paying child support if I lose my job?

No — you cannot simply stop paying because of a job loss. The existing court order remains in effect until modified by a court. If your circumstances have changed significantly, contact our team immediately to seek a modification before arrears accumulate.

What happens if the other parent moves to another state?

A Texas child support order remains enforceable even if the paying parent moves to another state. Under UIFSA, the original Texas order can be registered and enforced in the other state. Our team handles interstate enforcement matters.